Introduction
The Thai government has confirmed that from the 15th July 2024, the Destination Thailand Visa (DVT) is live for those foreign nationals wishing to work and travel in Thailand. This visa for “Digital Nomads” will allow holders to stay for up to 180 days per entry and be valid for 5 years.
Impact:
Medium
What has changed?
Introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa will offer a cost-effective way for individuals to work remotely from the desirable location of Thailand. The DTV government fee is currently set at THB 10,000. The visa will be valid for 5 years, offer multiple entries, allow a 180-day stay per entry and is extendable once per year through a formal request to the Immigration Head Quarters in Bangkok. The minimum age for a visa holder is set at 20 years and it also favourably permits the applicant to include their family members.
Previously, the remote working option for Thailand was via the Long-Term Resident Visa category which is restricted by minimum income levels, educational qualification requirements and other employment criteria.
It should also be noted that a Thai work permit will still be required if the applicant will work for a Thai employer or Thai clients.
Who is affected?
The DVT visa will be open to applicants falling under one of these three categories:
- Workcation (Digital Nomads, Freelancers and Remote Workers) – those who work remotely for a foreign company or are self employed
- Thai Soft Power Activities – those who do not work online but still want to benefit from this visa and include: Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking course, sports training, medical treatment, seminars and music festivals
- Dependants of Thailand DTV holders – dependants must be either a spouse or dependant child younger than 20 years old.
Although the authorities have advised that not everyone can obtain a DTV, they are yet to specify criteria such as minimum income, employers, or organisations that have been approved to conduct activities to qualify for this visa.
What to expect /impact?
The new DTV offers a more cost effective and simple way for remote workers to reside in Thailand on a temporary basis, which is likely to be attractive to digital nomads.
Applicants and employers must be careful to follow immigration regulations related to the visa, ensuring they remain compliant at all times. And must also inform themselves of any tax implications that may result from the remote working situation.
What to expect /impact?
For further information on Thailand immigration, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team at immigration@sterlinglexicon.com
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